Appeal by Little Irchester charity to help release hedgehogs back into the wild

Animals In Need is hoping to release many of the hedgehogs back into the wild

Animals In Need has been caring for dozens of hedgehogs in recent months, but it is now time to try and get them released safely back into the wild.

The charity’s appeal has been made during Hedgehog Awareness Week, which started on May 1.

Annie Marriott from the charity based at Pine Tree Farm in Little Irchester said: “These poor little souls are rapidly in decline and need everyone’s support.”

Lizzie from Animals In Need with one of the hedgehogs she has been looking after

Lizzie, who is Animals In Need’s wildlife assistant, has cared for 56 hedgehogs over the winter months.

Some were too small to survive hibernation while others were injured and needed rehabilitating.

Annie added: “They are all ready for release so we are appealing for the people who brought them into us to arrange collection.

“We also have some that cannot go back to where they were rescued from so if any wildlife-friendly gardeners who don’t use slug pellets or have badger sets nearby would like to email we may be able to use them as release sites.”

Anyone who is able to help can send an email marked for the attention of Lizzie to [email protected].